If you’re purchasing a memory foam mattress, you’ll need to know which factors to consider before you complete your transaction. Memory foam mattresses can enhance your sleep experience and give you the rest and rejuvenation you need to complete the important tasks of the day. It’s also important to be aware that there are several hidden aspects of memory foam mattresses that could be dangerous, since you’ll be using the mattress often and could risk exposure to harmful chemicals that could affect your health.

Very rarely are tests performed on mattresses and the parts used to make them. The mattresses are often imported from other countries (primarily China). If there are no tests, you as the consumer have no way of knowing what’s actually in your mattress. If the mattresses have chemicals that could get into your pores while you’re sleeping, the manufacturers mask the harsh odor coming from the chemicals with industrial-strength perfume before product export. Some companies even use green tea extracts to hide the smell of the chemicals.

It’s also important that you ask about the density of the mattress. The density lets you know how comfortable the mattress will be, and how much support it will lend to your body. There are several memory foam mattresses on the market these days, and some of them have a 2 or 3 mmHg. It’s best to select a mattress with mmHg so you can ensure you’re comfortable while sleeping. When a mattress is lower than 5mmHg, you’ll likely have to replace it in a few years.

When you’re in the market for a memory foam mattress, you should know the difference between natural memory foam and regular memory foam. Regular memory foam is visco-elastic and is created with petroleum-based chemicals. Memory foam can also be made from fake plants, so talk to your mattress salesperson to ensure that your mattress is made from natural materials. If you’re sleeping on regular memory foam every night, you may find that you wake up sneezing or with watery eyes. You can also wake up with joint pain or find that you’re just not comfortable while sleeping. Synthetic materials may also raise your body temperature while sleeping, since the materials trap you body heat with polyester and nylon. If you’ve been reading customer reviews about memory foam and find that consumers are saying they’re hot and sore after sleeping on the mattress, it’s likely because these people have mattresses with a poor chemical composition that comes from using artificial materials. If you’re looking for a new memory foam mattress and you’re especially health-conscious, it’s best to choose a mattress and pillows made from all-natural materials.

You’ve likely also seen memory foam mattresses advertised or discussed on popular talk shows or radio broadcasts. These mattresses represent new technology when it comes to bedding, and several medical professionals have revealed the benefits of memory foam. When you know the chemicals that should be in your mattress, you’ll be more likely to make a responsible purchase that will benefit your health in the long run.